Masks No Longer Required In Solon Schools

SOLON, OH — The Solon Schools loosened the district's COVID-19 policies as case rates continue to fall locally.

The Solon and Glenwillow communities exceeded a 90-percent vaccination rate recently, the district said. There were also only eight COVID-19 cases reported district-wide last week.

With vaccination rates rising and cases falling, Solon Schools leaders announced masking policy changes during Monday's Board of Education meeting.

"As we have done throughout the pandemic, we have relied on local data to guide our decision making for our COVID-19 protocols. At this time, due to the significant decreases in cases in both our Solon/Glenwillow community and our high vaccination rate, we will shift our district mask protocol to reflect current conditions," the district said in a statement.

As of Monday, students in preschool through 12th grade, and staff and visitors, no longer need to wear masks in district buildings. Instead, wearing masks will be strongly recommended. However, students must still wear masks while on school buses to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regulations.

Students and staff also no longer have to wear masks outdoors during recess or other activities, the district said.

"These protocols are dependent on low incidence of COVID-19 in our schools and community, and they could shift back if we see a sustained increase again. Just as we put enhanced protocols in place when conditions warranted it, we are also committed to easing protocols during periods when the COVID cases are low among students, staff, and the community," the district said.